An American Crime (2007)

The true story of suburban housewife Gertrude Baniszewski, who kept a teenage girl locked in the basement of her Indiana home during the 1960s.

Director:

Tommy O'Haver

Writers:

Tommy O'Haver, Irene Turner

Stars:

Ellen Page, Hayley McFarland, Nick Searcy

Nominated for 1 Golden Globe. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ellen Page	...	Sylvia Likens
Hayley McFarland	...	Jennie Likens
Nick Searcy	...	Lester Likens
Romy Rosemont	...	Betty Likens
Catherine Keener	...	Gertrude Baniszewski
Ari Graynor	...	Paula Baniszewski
Scout Taylor-Compton	...	Stephanie Baniszewski
Tristan Jarred	...	Johnny Baniszewski
Hannah Leigh	...	Shirley Baniszewski (as Hannah Leigh Dworkin)
Bradley Whitford	...	Prosecutor
Michael O'Keefe	...	Reverend Bill Collier
Carlie Westerman	...	Marie Baniszewski
Michelle Benes	...	Hope Orbach
Patricia Place	...	Mrs. Doyle
Calvin Keet	...	Mr. Doyle

Storyline

Based on a true story that shocked the nation in 1965, the film recounts one of the most shocking crimes ever committed against a single victim. Sylvia and Jennie Fae Likens, the two daughters of traveling carnival workers are left for an extended stay at the Indianapolis home of single mother Gertrude Baniszewski and her six children. Times are tough, and Gertrude's financial needs cause her to make this arrangement before realizing how the burden will push her unstable nature to a breaking point. What transpires in the next three months is both riveting and horrific.

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Plot Keywords:

jumping on a bed | teenage girl | single mother | carnival | basement | 

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Taglines:

This has been the most terrible crime ever committed in the state of Indiana

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Genres:

Biography | Crime | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong and disturbing depiction of child abuse and torture

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 December 2007 (Sweden)

Also Known As:

The Basement

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

First Look International, Killer Films, Showtime Networks

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Based on a true story that happened in Indiana in 1965.

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Goofs

In the scene where Gertrude and Ricky are smoking together, Gertrude says, "You ain't old enough for smoke". In 1965, it was legal for minors to smoke as there was no legal smoking age.

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Quotes

Stephanie Baniszewski: What was Momma so mad about yesterday?
Sylvia Likens: You heard. I told everyone Paula was a slut.
Stephanie Baniszewski: That's not true, is it?

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Crazy Credits

The final credit states "Sylvia Likens, 1949-1965".

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Connections

Featured in The 60th Primetime Emmy Awards (2008)

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Soundtracks

Rules of Love
Written by Kal Mann and Dave Appell
Performed by The Orlons
Courtesy of ABKCO Music & Records, Inc.

User Reviews

sad film, good directing, worth watching.

This film was very sad, and the outcome; slightly unpredicted. It makes you look at the screen, confused and slightly horrified. The direction of the film is very good, somehow it makes you feel like you're involved, but like you cant be of any help, which I think reflects the feelings of the majority of the characters.

The influence of the Catherine Keener's character on her children obviously has a different effect by the end of the film. It is a very touching film, as it forces you to see the strength it takes to protect your family, from evils that are affecting you, and evidently you, yourself.

Ellen Page's Acting is on top-form in this film. She's very convincing. In fact, all the acting in this film is extremely good. And the amount of violence, isn't heavy at all, although some people find some scenes hard to watch. However, everything in the film, is crucial to the story. And ultimately, this is a story of a girl, who was stricken by misfortune. I believe her story was told well. But I'm sure there's more to it. Although, if hit by such grief, I wouldn't mind warning the world of such ill adventures.

Overall: this film should be given a metaphorical, standing ovation. As there are so many things about this piece, good; however intense, bitter and sorrowful, it is definitely one worth watching.